This is Newsuan’s second attempt to re-open the Ash Park pool, once a summer oasis for many city families. Last June, he started a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to raise the $275,000 needed to repair and re-open the pool. However, that effort failed to get off the ground.

With Movement Community Development Corporation, Newsuan is taking a different approach. He is offering sweatshirts, t-shirts, and mugs for sale on the group’s website, along with a donation option for the pool fund.

He has also held several events, like a July block party that drew thousands of people and raised some much-needed funds. However, the group still has a long way to go, and Newsuan believes that, realistically, the pool will not re-open before 2020.

“As far as opening the pool, if we make it a place of destination” with safety, good lighting, and even swim classes, said Newsuan, “I believe it can sustain itself.”